New York – As we mark World Day of Social Justice, we see far too many places where there are increasing opportunities for a few and only rising inequality for the many.

Growing inequality undermines the international community’s progress in lifting millions out of poverty and building a more just world.

The fault lines are visible in falling wages for women and young people and limited access to education, health services and decent jobs.

We must strengthen and build institutions and develop policies that promote inclusive development.

In adopting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), world leaders committed to create a more equal and just world. Much progress has been made in enhancing decent work opportunities, strengthening social protection and improving public services.

Despite these advances, billions of people desperately depend on our focused and tireless efforts. We must accelerate our work to meet the MDGs by the 2015 deadline and also look beyond by beginning to define new goals for sustainable development.

As we seek to build the world we want, let us intensify our efforts to achieve a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development path built on dialogue, transparency and social justice.

The UN and South Africa

South Africa was one of the original 51 founding members of the United Nations, which came into existence on 24 October 1945. Since its inception the membership of the Organization has grown to 192 States. More »